MBTA hires TRA to assess infrastructure

Acting swiftly to address
the issues raised in David D'Allesandro's review of the MBTA, the Authority executed
a contract with one of the transit industry's most respected safety and
security consulting firms. Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) will perform
an independent assessment of the MBTA's evaluation and prioritization of
capital projects, with a focus on safety issues. Philadelphia-based TRA has
been providing expertise and solutions to transit agencies throughout North
America for nearly 20 years.

"It's become very clear that
the MBTA needs to develop and implement a better system for examining requests
for capital spending, and determining the best methods for maximizing our
limited resources," said Acting MBTA General Manager William Mitchell. "With
the help of the experienced and talented professionals at TRA, the MBTA will be
in a stronger position to make informed decisions about the needs of the
transit system, and how they should be prioritized."

"Safety and customer
service must be our top priorities," said Massachusetts Department of
Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. "The MBTA and MassDOT have
moved swiftly to address the findings of the D'Allesandro report by developing
an action plan that will protect our customers today and well into the future."

The assessment will address
the key points raised in the D'Allesandro report:

• The T's process of
identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing capital and renewal projects for
vehicles and infrastructure. This will include an examination of nearly 60
projects referenced in the D'Alessandro report as "safety critical."

• The T's process for
mitigating existing and potential infrastructure and vehicle issues.

• The adequacy of the MBTA
Safety Department's roles and procedures in ensuring that safety matters are
addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.

Mitchell said TRA has
committed to providing the MBTA with an interim report in February, and a
final, written report in March.